If you're anxious to perform in front of people, take a test or you're just stressed out in general, psychology professor Sian Beilock suggests the best way to work through the fears might be to off-load them beforehand. Alternately, you can simply hum a song to distract your brain.

In two separate research studies, Beilock looked at stress and anxiety in students getting ready to take a test. She found that taking exams and performing in front of people produced different kinds of pressure. If you're anxious about a test, she suggests off-loading fears on paper by writing about your anxiety. However, if you're worried about a presentation or performance, it turns out one of the best ways to prevent choking in public is to hum a tune. This helps distract your brain from thinking about past experiences or failures.

For a few more tips to prevent choking under pressure, hit up the full post over at Science Daily. Photo by Alberto G.